The Slovak government has decided to replace Radio and Television of Slovakia (RTVS) with a new body, Slovak Television and Radio (STVR). This initiative has caused protests and concerns about the independence of the media. This was reported by the BBC, according to UNN.
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The Slovak government, led by Prime Minister Robert Fico, has approved plans to liquidate Radio and Television of Slovakia (RTVS) and create a new body, Slovak Television and Radio (STVR).
The plans call for the termination of the RTVS and its replacement with a new body, STVR. This initiative provoked a wave of protests that included not only journalists and opposition parties, but also representatives of the European Union.
However, Slovak Culture Minister Martina Simkovikova believes that the changes are necessary to restore the national character of public broadcasting. Critics, however, argue that such actions could undermine media independence and pose a threat of censorship.
Opposition to these changes is being expressed not only by the public, but also by media employees themselves. More than 1,200 RTVS employees have signed a petition against the government's plans and are also speaking out on social media, emphasizing the need to preserve independence and objectivity in the media.
Despite the opposition, the government plans to continue with reforms, which include the formation of a board to elect a new STVR CEO and the creation of an "ethics commission" for an advisory role.
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